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19 Nov 2012

The producers of the coming national tour of Flashdance — The Musical revealed complete casting on Nov. 19.

The previously announced Emily Padgett as Alex, Matthew Hydzik as Nick and Rachelle Rak as Tess will be joined by Kelly Felthous as Gloria, DeQuina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah, David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C.

The world premiere of this new stage adaptation of the hit 1983 film, revised since its London stage premiere in 2010, will launch in a January engagement in Pittsburgh, where the story of a hopeful steelworker/exotic dancer is set.

The Jan. 1-6, 2013, run at Heinz Hall is the dawn of a new national tour that represents rewrites and new creative team since the title's stage premiere in London. (Technically, it's the world premiere of a new stage version; the writers from London remain, but audiences can expect something "completely re-invisioned," with "new songs, new book, new creative team and overall a different physical production," a spokesman told Playbill.com.)

The Flashdance touring company will play at least 25 cities. A separate Broadway company will begin performances at a New York City theatre to be announced in August 2013, for an open-ended engagement.

The year 2013 mark the 30th anniversary of the pop-cultural phenomenon. "With electrifying dance at its core, Flashdance — The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer," according to the producers. "When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream."

Flashdance features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world including the Academy Award-winning title song ("Flashdance – What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," "I Love Rock & Roll"), plus 16 new songs written for the stage (music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Roth).

The book is by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas).

Padgett's Broadway credits include Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde and Grease. She appeared in the world premiere of White Noise at the Royal George Theatre in Chicago.

The production features lighting design by Howell Binkley, scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, projection design by Peter Nigrini and costumes by Paul Tazewell with sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Charles LaPointe and make-up design by Cookie Jordan.

The production also features music arrangements and supervision by Jason Howland, orchestrations by Doug Besterman, dance arrangements by Jim Abbott.